About 15 years ago, Apple and Google launched digital stores that enabled software developers to sell apps to consumers and professionals. Categories include communication, productivity, and security. Apps are affordable, easy to use, and enable access to data and documents 24/7 at home, on the road, or in the office. They can be installed quickly on computers, smartphones, and tablets. This article explains the benefits of popular application service providers and includes resources for using them.
Appointments – Link an appointment app to your website to allow clients to make appointments online. The apps automatically email customized confirmations, send reminders, and let clients reschedule on their own. Popular apps include Calendly and Microsoft Bookings.
Billing – Use apps like QuickBooks or Zoho to bill clients, check payment status, and send reminders.
Communicating – Conduct video conferencing and webinars with apps like Apple Facetime, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom. Use apps like Apple iMessage, Google Messages, Microsoft Teams, and Slack to send short messages to associates, clients, and staff.
Document Storage – Use apps like Apple iCloud, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Drive to access, edit, and distribute documents 24/7 from anywhere.
Dictation – Use apps like Apple Dictation, Dragon Anywhere, Microsoft Speech, and Otter to dictate notes and transcribe communications, meetings, and phone calls.
Note-Taking – Take notes with apps like Apple Notes, Evernote, Google Keep, and Microsoft OneNote. Edit or view the notes on all of your devices.
Polling – Use apps like GoSurvey, Survey Monkey, or Zoho Survey to get testimonials from clients and engage team members in decision making.
Project Management – Use project management apps like Liquid Projects, Teamwork, or Zoho Projects to assign responsibility, schedule tasks, and track status.
Scanning – Use scanning apps like Abby Fine Scanner, Adobe Scan, Apple Notes, and Evernote Scannable to create a PDF from your smartphone. Save PDF’s to online storage or share them with others.
Scheduling – Use the scheduling features of Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar to arrange meetings, assign office space, or book conference rooms.
Security – Protect yourself against hackers with virtual private network apps like IVPN and Windscreen. Use Password Manager apps like Dashlane, Last Pass or 1Password to keep your passwords secure.
Signing – Use e-signature apps to enable clients to sign documents digitally. Popular apps include Adobe Sign, Docusign, Dotloop, and Zoho Sign.
To-Do Lists – Create checklists and to-do lists with apps like Asana, Apple Reminders, Microsoft To Do, Todoist and Wunderlist.
Voice Recording – Use recording apps like Apple’s Voice Memo, Otter Voice Notes, and Windows Voice Recorder to record phone calls and dictate messages.
Resources – To gain perspective, read Steve Job’s vision for apps and histories of the app stores created by Apple and Google. Learn how to use apps with articles about best apps for lawyers, billing apps, software for working remotely, technology trends, work from home apps and working remotely as a lawyer. For deeper study, read ABA books about Collaboration, Note-Taking, Going Paperless, Project Management, Technology for Lawyers, and Using Technology to Work Smarter. Also visit websites with article archives like the ABA’s Tech Report and the Law Practice Division’s Legal Technology Resource Center.
Blumberg – Blumberg’s law office products include affordable systems for billing, client relationships, case management, document drafting, online forms, real estate settlements, website content, and Cerltiy Digital Corporate Kits. For information about Blumberg products, visit the Company’s website, submit an online request, or call 800-221-2972 x1692.
Conclusion – Technology can help lawyers overcome the challenges of remote working with apps for communication, productivity, and security. Software developers are continually creating new apps and adding features to old ones. Use the apps and resources mentioned in this article to stay technically competent and make remote work better for yourself and your firm.
Mr. Goldblatt has authored numerous books and articles about marketing for lawyers. He wrote Blumberg’s client marketing pamphlets and designed Blumberg’s Summa Document Organizer and Semi-Customized Law Firm Brochures.